Dental fillings are a dental restoration treatment that restores a tooth to its normal strength by drilling out a cavity (dental caries) and replacing it with a tooth filling material. Decay occurs when the acids produced by bacteria erode the tough dental enamel away and begin dissolving it. Bacteria get a foothold into our teeth when it accumulates into plaque, a sticky biofilm that clings to teeth. We offer a variety of dental restorations, including fillings, that will get your teeth back to 100% in no time!

The process is simple. The tooth to be filled and the surrounding gums are numbed. If the cavity has not penetrated deeply into the innermost pulp chamber of the tooth, your dentist will use a drill to remove the decayed material from your tooth and then seal the hole with a dental filling material. After your dentist performs an assessment of your teeth via x-rays and visual examination, a filling material will be chosen. Here are a few of the most popular choices:

• Composite resins. Composite resin fillings can be tinted to match your tooth’s own color. These fillings blend in perfectly and are an ideal choice for teeth that are visible when eating or talking. They look good and can last from 3 to 10 years. Composite resin can stain just like natural teeth. Dark beverages like colas, tea, coffee, and red wine will stain resin over time, as will smoking.
• Amalgam fillings. Silver amalgam is highly wear-resistant and isn’t as expensive as gold fillings. They’re dark-colored so they aren’t really the ideal choice for front teeth. Instead, they are best suited for fillings in the back teeth.
• Gold fillings. Gold fillings are the most expensive of all filling materials, but they last up to 20 years or more.

Aftercare

You may have some gum and tooth pain for the first 24 hours after getting a filling. That’s very common and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Stick to soft foods for the first day or two and avoid hard candies or very chewy foods. It’s important to be gentle with the filling during the first 12 to 24 hours post-filling, as the filling material needs a little time to fully bond into the microscopic structures inside the tooth. Avoid very hot or very cold beverages, and remember that minor aches and pains in the area will fade within a day.

For all your dental needs, book an appointment with us at Impression Dental Care in Huntington Beach.